A 2 acre fire was discovered late Saturday night in the Badger Creek Wilderness on the Barlow Ranger District of the Mt. Hood National Forest. Helicopters began dropping water on the Badger Lake Fire on Saturday and continued water bucket operations throughout the day Sunday and today. The wildfire is now estimated to be about 10-12 acres and is burning in heavy timber. This area features very rugged, steep terrain and numerous snags, making it particularly dangerous for firefighters and the public. The cause of fire is under investigation. This area is very popular with hunters and the recreating public.

The district will be issuing a fire area closure to safeguard the public and firefighting operations later today. Conditions are very dry and windy, with potential for fire spread in this remote Wilderness area.

Currently the Badger Lake Campground, Trail 479 and the 4860-140 Road are closed due to possible dangers from the wildfire and falling trees. The Forest Service has begun evacuating people in the vicinity of the fire as a precaution and in anticipation of the forthcoming closure order.

The fire area closure order and map will be available on the Mt. Hood NF website at Forest Closure Orders. Additional information will be shared as it becomes available.

About the Salmon River Mountain Press

The Salmon River Mountain Press shares news from federal and state natural resource agencies, environmental, conservation and recreation groups in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. The blog delivers the content one news story at a time.